modulators??

[mmaiden]

What are the pros and cons to headlight and taillight modulators? If they make us more visible, and they are legal, why not?

[Curtis_Valk]

Most cagers are confused enough.  I don't want to increase their confusion with a headlight modulator.  At least the ones I encounter are somewhat predictable if they don't see something wierd.  Get them thinking and there's no telling what they'll do.

I do not think modulators increase danger, so don't get me wrong.  I just think there is the possibility of trading the problems I'm used to dealing with (lane changes, oncoming left turns, and pull-outs) for a set of reactions by cagers that I'm not used to dealing with.

So far, the ones that tried to run over me have been in my sights as someone who "needed watching" long before they tried to get me.  I know, I know........it's the one I don't see that'll get me!

So, my stand on the subject is I don't think I would run a headlight modulator but a tail/brake light modulator might be ok.  One other mod that I think might be benificial is to tie in a high beam relay into the horn circuit.  It would be good to flash those left turners and pull-outers at the same time I'm giving them the horn.  I don't know if it is a legal mod though, so it might be a good idea to have a "defeat" switch for inspection time.

Curtis

[Curtis_Valk]

WOW......Come on MOOTsters, no opinions on modulators?  I've seen this subject become like the oil debate on other forums!!  Don't be afraid to disagree with me here, I know at least someone is running a modulator and can help Mr. Maiden with the pros and cons.

Curtis

[Greg Cothern]

Sorry Curtis I cannot disagree with ya this time, LoL.  I agree with you, I have never been a fan of modulators.
I think getting yourself noticed from the rear is more important than from the front.  
Of course some of us have been adding LED lights in and around the engines and such on our bikes to add a glow, which gets one noticed.  Hopefully not by Johnny Law though, hehehehehe.

[mmaiden]

I have already installed the halogen taillight bulb with the chip in it called "tailblazer", made by Kisan. It works well, giving three short flashes that slow down and turns solid when the rear brake is applied. I'd think it would have to get more attention than before. I just have not gotten around to the headlight with what they (Kisan) calls "pathblazer". it plugs in between harness and bulb and has a photo eye that detects day or night so at night it does not modulate and, in day, it only does with the high beam. So, if you are rolling up to an intersection or somewhere you really want to be noticed, flip on the high beams. I let you know what happens. As always, I thank you guys for your thoughts. My next crazy thought is... a flame paint job for my boring black tank. Any thoughts there?

[Curtis_Valk]

Mike, no suggestions on the flames other than "Go for it!".  I guess look at as many bike pics as you can to get ideas.

Curtis

[Marc Albea]

I have already installed the halogen taillight bulb with the chip in it called "tailblazer", made by Kisan. It works well, giving three short flashes that slow down and turns solid when the rear brake is applied. I'd think it would have to get more attention than before. I just have not gotten around to the headlight with what they (Kisan) calls "pathblazer". it plugs in between harness and bulb and has a photo eye that detects day or night so at night it does not modulate and, in day, it only does with the high beam. So, if you are rolling up to an intersection or somewhere you really want to be noticed, flip on the high beams.

What did the Kisan stuff cost?

Marc

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

Save your money! My friend is engineering a device that can be placed in the back body armor of a Joe Rocket type mesh jacket that is made up of superbright LED's that indicate your turn direction and stopping action. It is wireless, rechargeable and up higher than your tail light, at shoulder level. I think it is going to sell for less than $100. It is patent pending and should be available in about 6 months.
Bob #69

[roboto65]

What is he going to use as a power source to power the leds in the jacket that would be my only concern!!!! but other than that would sure get there attention well almost all hehehhehehehe

[Shortround]

I personally disapprove of them. The headlight ones can confuse and could lead to the oncoming traffic to stare at it and drive right into you.
I've ridden behind a trike that was modulated. I found it extremely annoying and missed his brake lights a couple times. Also why risk getting someone POed that already things your scum.
I do like the brake lights that flash a few times and go solid. Just trying to decide on which.
In my opinion the best way to get noticed is to add two lights to the front and back to form a triangle. It's much easier to judge your distance as well as more visible. With the new LEDs this should be easy.

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

The unit will use small rechargeable batteries that blend in with device that will have 50-100 braking hours, with a chirper when it gets low. The device has a sleeper switch that turns it off when there is no movement.
Bery much self contained with nothing that must attached to the bike. The only way you know it is there is when it comes on and then you do not know unless you are talking to someone who is behind you.
Bob #69

[DC Smith]

Bob,
If nothing attaches to the bike, how do you activate the stop lite or turn signal?

[mmaiden]

Both head and taillight parts were a tad under $150 including shipping. I now have installed the headlight modulator and it was a snap. the device just plugs in. i ran the photo eye out the back of the headlight and used a black nylon tie to hold it against the front brake cable pointing up. I did it just before dusk last night and, until it got dark, it modulated its little self exactly as advertised on hi beam. after dark, back to normal (no modulation). I also noticed the hi beam indicator light also modulates slightly when the headlight is modulating, which is a good reminder. I'll report back when I have logged more miles with it.

[Curtis_Valk]

Good info, Mike.  I look forward to your report.

Curtis

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

The signal is sent similar to a garage door opener signal, a transmitter is attached to the braking/turn system.
Bob #69